A minor grass fire occurred on Monday, October 23rd, at the edge of a runway at Boston Logan International Airport, triggered by an engine issue on a United Airlines, flight UA2136, operated by a Boeing 737-800. The narrowbody aircraft was preparing for departure when the incident led the plane to return to the gate for further inspection. No passengers or crew were injured.

UA2136: Bound for Washington

United Airlines flight UA2136, a scheduled service from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), was the aircraft involved in the incident. According to reports, the flight was set to depart at 19:15 but faced an engine-related delay. After the fire was detected, emergency responders and maintenance crews were immediately dispatched to inspect the aircraft.

According to Simple Flying, the aircraft never left the ground. United Airlines addressed the situation swiftly, stating that the engine issue was promptly dealt with by their local ground crew and emergency responders. As a result, the plane returned to the gate, where all 162 passengers and six crew members were deplaned safely.

Delayed Departure

Although the flight typically lasts just over an hour, the issue caused a significant delay. The passengers were transferred to a different aircraft, and the new flight finally departed Boston at 21:57, arriving in Washington at 23:07.

Reports from NBC Boston confirmed that the engine issue was the primary cause of the flight delay. The airline also assured the public that all necessary precautions were taken, and no injuries occurred during the event.

The Aircraft Did Not Catch Fire

While the plane’s engine trouble did cause a small grass fire, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) confirmed that the aircraft itself did not catch fire. The fire ignited in the grass on the side of the runway as the plane taxied. Once the fire was detected, the aircraft was safely guided back to the gate for a thorough inspection.

Though the exact cause of the engine issue remains speculative, common reasons for engine fires include fluctuating fuel pressures, broken fuel lines, over-priming, or engine oil loss. None of these potential causes have been confirmed in this case.

Local Residents’ Reaction

Residents in the nearby suburb of Winthrop reported hearing loud noises during the incident. Joe Quigley, a local resident, described the sound as two loud bangs, adding that it was noticeable enough to make one aware that something unusual had occurred at the airport. The noises were intense enough that nearby homes experienced shaking.

Despite the alarming sounds and the subsequent fire, United Airlines and local authorities managed the situation effectively. Passengers were reassured, and the flight eventually resumed safely, albeit with a replacement aircraft.